The Koppers hazardous waste site in Gainesville is a 120-acre property that has been designated as a Superfund environmental cleanup site since 1984. It is located between N.W. 23rd and 39th Avenues, and North Main Street and N.W. 13th Street. The southern boundary of the site abuts N.W. 23rd Avenue, and the other sides are set back several blocks from the other three main roads.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the Koppers site owners had used the location since 1916 to treat utility poles and timber with chemicals to prevent decay. It was closed in 2009. Past waste disposal caused pollution of the soil and groundwater.

Recently, the EPA discovered soil contamination west of the site. Since 1989, Florida DOH reviewed environmental data, found the site a potential health risk, and recommended warning signs, further testing, and restricted site access. Residents west of Koppers in the Stephen Foster neighborhood are concerned that site chemicals in the soil, indoor dust in their homes or chemicals in creek sediments might affect their health.

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